Leeds hopeful of Bailey Peacock-Farrell deal

Leeds United are confident of securing a deal for goalkeeper starlet Bailey Peacock-Farrell, HITC Sport understands.

The 19-year-old was handed his first-team debut this week, and impressed in the 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday.

Peacock-Farrell played because of the suspension to number one Marco Silvestri, but he has been strongly linked with a summer departure from Elland Road - meaning the teenager could be ready to compete for a starting role at Elland Road.

However, Peacock-Farrell's own future has yet to be finalised as his current deal is due to expire at the end of the season.

Leeds are fully aware that a number of Premier League and Championship clubs are keen on Bailey-Farrell - who was released by Middlesbrough at the age of 16 for being too small.

Aston Villa, Everton, Sunderland and Derby County all scouted Peacock-Farrell earlier this season, whilst more recently HITC Sport understands that Tottenham, West Ham and Norwich have all joined the battle to secure his services.

But sources close to Leeds have told HITC Sport that the club are 'very hopeful' that a deal can be struck, sooner rather than later.

"Bailey is a huge talent, everyone at the club is aware of it but there is just three months until his contract expires so there is a real sense of urgency to finalise a deal for him, but confidence is high that he will soon put pen-to-paper," the source confirmed.

Graeme Bailey

Graeme is a freelance football writer who is a proud Teessider and Yorkshireman with a love of his family, football, golf and speedway. He specialises in transfer stories and over the years has broken a number of big stories and scoops.